380 Acp

I just picked up my new CZ-83 which will get some use as a CCW piece.
I'm wondering if hollow points are the way to go. Does the 380 have enough oomph to make HPs effective? Will I be better off using FMJs and depend on penetration to get the job done? Maybe it'll boil down to which is more reliable in my gun.

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rcmodel

February 27, 2008, 05:34 PM

.380 ACP JHP all the way for me:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/380ACP.html

And I got a way shorter barrel then yours!
Kel-Tec P3AT

rcmodel

camper

February 27, 2008, 05:41 PM

Remington 102 grain Golden Sabers here.

Cron

February 27, 2008, 05:46 PM

I bought a box of Golden Sabres to try in my gun. Expensive little buggers. I also bought a couple of boxes of MagTech FMJs. $11.99 per 50 rounds.

Phantom Captain

February 27, 2008, 05:52 PM

Golden Sabers in my PPK/S too.

gbelleh

February 27, 2008, 05:54 PM

I also use 102 gr Golden Sabers, if using hollow points in my .380s.

Timthinker

February 27, 2008, 05:56 PM

In a semi-auto pistol, reliability is issue number one. Different pistols cycle differently with different rounds. What that statement means is some types of ammo will cycle smoothly, while others will jam. Test fire ammo before you use it as a self-defense load. That said, go for HPs if they work reliably in your CZ.

Timthinker

DENALI

February 27, 2008, 06:09 PM

They will expand out of the 83's 3.8" barrel, and that 102gr'er is the way to go....

makarovnik

February 28, 2008, 01:36 AM

They may not expand reliably but the sharp edges cut into bone better. The FMJ will have better penetration but have been known to bounce of the skull. Use HP for head shots and FMJ for body shots.

JohnKSa

February 28, 2008, 01:50 AM

Use HP for head shots and FMJ for body shots.So...when you load your magazine up before you leave the house, how many head shots and how many body shots and in what order do you plan for?

MICHAEL T

February 28, 2008, 01:52 AM

Corbon DPX in all 5 of my 380's

LAK Supply

February 28, 2008, 01:58 AM

So...when you load your magazine up before you leave the house, how many head shots and how many body shots and in what order do you plan for?

LOL! Beat me to it..... :D

Moonclip

February 28, 2008, 02:24 AM

I have a CZ83 also. I'd rather carry something a little bigger in caliber but proper shot placement of course means more and you do have 12+1 rounds on tap. I'd rather have this gun if under fire than a 5 shot snub .38spl and many carry those for CCW.

Flopsy

February 28, 2008, 01:46 PM

I like the Golden Sabers also. You'll find that the bright shiny surfaces aren't just to make it pretty, as I first thought. It also makes the ammo cycle more reliably. They're worth the price.

Marlin 45 carbine

February 28, 2008, 01:51 PM

I handload/reload for all my pistols. GS's give tighter groups and perfect function in my BDA, 5906 and 1911.

Hokkmike

February 28, 2008, 03:14 PM

Use HP for head shots

I'm not that good, nor are most people, that I could depend on that. Shoot for the body ALL the time.

Bobo

February 28, 2008, 07:19 PM

There is a very comprehensive list of .380 ACP tests and ballistics here:

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1199737660

Bobo

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